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Signs erected after lagoon drowning

Feared drowned: Samir Abraham. Picture: Facebook

Strong currents at Yanchep Lagoon have claimed three lives in the past five years but authorities are yet to erect warning signs on the dangerous stretch of beach.

Police believe Samir Abraham was caught in a rip at the beach on Saturday night and dragged into deeper water. He has not been seen since.

The City of Wanneroo confirmed yesterday it was aware of the dangerous conditions and had begun installing 78 signs along the 32km of coast it managed.

They will include six signs at the lagoon, where the only signage visible yesterday warned of rockfalls and outlined fishing regulations.

A search to find the father of six was suspended late yesterday morning.

Mr Abraham was known in music circles and had performed in a video with Australian Idol star Ricki-Lee Coulter.

Local police will continue to patrol beaches in the area over the next few days.

Mr Abraham's disappearance is feared to be the third drowning at the lagoon in the past five years.

In 2008, a local woman drowned after trying to rescue her dog that had become caught on the reef.

Last year, a Malaysian man was also caught in a rip while diving for abalone.

The City of Wanneroo confirmed yesterday signs warning beach users about the lagoon's current would be installed from next week.

The signs are the result of a commissioned audit completed by Surf Life Saving WA into safety and signage issues at the City's beaches.

The audit was commissioned after two recent drownings at Clayton's beach.

Wanneroo mayor Tracey Roberts said everyone at the City was saddened by the incident and their thoughts were with Mr Abraham’s family and friends. She said the council was doing what it could to ensure beachgoers enjoyed the coastline safely.

The council has installed 15 signs at several access points to Clayton's beach.

Surf Life Saving WA head of community safety Chris Peck said the importance of signage for any hazards along the coast was paramount and signs acted as a first point of supervision.

Speaking to Seven News last night, Mr Abraham's family said they were certain he was still alive.

Mother Countress Joy said her son had a strong personality. "I know for a fact that my son is a strong person with strong beliefs," Ms Joy said.

"I believe he's somewhere fighting to live."

But his sister Zola Abraham said the family was struggling.

"It's very hard for us right now," she said. "We're just in shock and disbelief."